What Was I Thinking?

1996. I did lots of stupid things this year. I also did a lot of stupid things years 1985-1995 and 1997-current. I just want to focus on one stupid-driven moment this blogging round. (Believe me, there are many more things I can and will share as I feel the need to humilate myself on the world wide web.) Today, I will discuss my senior pictures.

These are stowed away in a compartment in my brain that I like to call the what was I thinking file. Really. There are no words to describe them. I despise them with almost every fiber of my being. I mean I posed with Elmo in a few. I really did. What was I thinking?

You can look at many people's senior photos and pretty much pinpoint the decade in which they graduated. I thoroughly enjoy the over-the-shoulder-gaze-up-to-the-ceiling pose of the 50s. I am a sucker for a pose-on-the-giant-fan-back-ratan/wicker-chair of the 80s. The casual lean on the fake fence or the wagon wheel is also a favorite of mine. Perhaps my pictures capture the 90s. I am not really sure. I guess if the 90s signify complete and utter confusion, then yes, my pictures captured that state of mind beautifully.

I have to tell you though, I have yet to find the charm of the "lay on the ground and hold onto this stuffed Elmo" pose or the "prop your leg up on this 7 foot ladder and look casual" pose. Neither of these really captured my personality. I mean I have no issues with Elmo or ladders. It's just not something that I look back on and say "Yes. I remember being really into ladders during my high school years. I am so glad I took a picture with a ladder." Basically, I look back on these and just ask "why?"

The one thing my senior pictures do convey is my bemusement with life in general. I can look at these pictures and think "Man. I was a seriously confused teenager." Although they are embarrassing, I still find them mildly amusing. Mildly. They are still semi-painful to look at. I thought I had it all together back then and I didn't. I am guessing here, but I think it might be accurate to say that I think I understand myself now and years from now I will realize I didn't. Lesson learned. Thank you senior portrait Steph for sending that message to present day Steph.

And now for your enjoyment...

And no, I do not want to submit this to awkward family photos, just in case you were wondering. Sadly, I cannot locate a photo of the ladder picture. I will take that as a sign that the world isn't ready for it quite yet. So here is a final senior picture that I find horrifying. Actually, it is a picture of a picture. I don't think I need to explain any further. Once you see it, no words will be needed.

Let's just say it one more time. WHAT WAS I THINKING? I think I am going to retake my senior pictures...at age 32.